B A C K G R O U N D According to the 2000 census, approximately 20% of Manhattan's population is over 60 years old. Now the baby boomers are aging-in. Before they and we know it, they will be senior citizens, too. There is no doubt about it. Our community's population is greying rapidly and living longer than their forebears. This reality raises important issues: How can we assure high-quality affordable health care, housing, financial security and social welfare? How can we maintain our independence and dignity in order to continue meaningful participation in the life of our community? It is tragic when people are forced to leave their beloved friends and neighbors for lack of adequate housing options or affordable health care. New York City churches, synagogues and agencies, including the James Lenox House Association and the Visiting Nurse Service, receive dozens of requests weekly for supportive housing units for their aging constituencies. These seniors, who are struggling to manage their own households independently, require varying types of assistance. Some need medication monitoring; others require assistance with house cleaning, congregate meals, physical therapy or an exercise regimen, as well as social contact with community members. But they do not need to be in a nursing home. Research reveals that the overwhelming desire of aging persons is to remain in their own homes or apartments. Barring the practicality of this choice, they prefer to reside in a home-like environment with minimal institutional interference. Affordable supportive housing units, which provide natural progressions from independent living, are scarce. Entering a nursing home, relocating to senior housing far from the familiarity and comfort of their own community, or moving in with relatives, are the usual, but dreaded, alternatives. Since 1990, Health Advocates for Older People, Inc., an organization founded in 1985 to promote the health and well-being of older people, has focused its energies on promoting improved housing, health care and quality of life for all seniors in New York City. Three of its Board members were delegates to the 1995 White House Conference on Aging, and were instrumental in shaping the Conference report's supportive housing resolutions. In addition to such advocacy at all levels of government, Health Advocates took direct action to meet the need for affordable housing with support services. It developed Carnegie East House, a state-of-the-art residence for the elderly that offers varying levels of supportive services. This unique, not-for-profit facility opened in December 2002, on Second Avenue at 95th Street. With Carnegie East House completed and fully occupied, Health Advocates decided to transfer ownership of the residence to the James Lenox House Association, a sister organization with 150 years of experience sponsoring affordable housing for the elderly in New York City. The transfer was completed in mid-2007, allowing Health Advocates to sharpen its focus on its wider community programs. In April 2003 Health Advocates established the Healthy Aging Program. The program's primary goals are to help elders remain in their own homes, avoid institutionalization, and enjoy a good quality of life. The Healthy Aging Program provides a wide array of direct services that facilitate healthy living, promote wellness and help assure a safe home environment. Services are available to New York City seniors with a focus on those living in Manhattan's diverse neighborhoods. Most services are provided free or at nominal cost to participants. As we all age, we will be secure in knowing that supports and services that help sustain vitality and independence are available in our community. The support of individuals, foundations, government officials and corporations is the key to the successful continuation of this effort. We invite interested parties to join us. for more information contact us at: 593 Park Avenue   New York, NY 10021 t: 212.980.1700 f: 212.980.1717  email: info@hafop.org site design: Freelance Farm